Improvement in cut-off valve-gears



UNITED STATES PATENT OEETCE.

JOHN T. RICH, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN CUT-OFF VALVE-GEARS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 53,6S0, dated April 3, 1866.

To all whom 'it may concern Be it known that I, JOHN T. RICH, of Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and Improved Governor Cut-Off and Combined Governor and Throttle for Steam-Engines; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, in which- Figure l is a vertical longitudinal section. Fig. 2 is an elevation. Fig. 3 is an elevation showing part. Fig. 4 is a plan.

The same letters refer to identical parts.

A is the steam-chest, the valve being moved by the valve-rod O, receiving motion from the eccentric B. To the main valve-rod B a standard, C', is attached, communicating motion to the connecting-rod D.

orkin g in a suitably-arran ged frame is the toggle-joint E, to the middle joint of which is attached the connecting-rod D. The upper arm ofthe toggle-joint is hinged to the bar M, which crosses it horizontally, and is hinged at m' to the bell-crank F, which is acted upon by the governor K. The other end of the bar INI is hinged by the link L to the lever G. This leverGis bent as shown in the drawings, and is hinged at Q to a pivot, on which is also bling the bell-crank F. The other arm of this lever plays freely up and down and gives motion to the rod N and balanced puppet-valve I by means of the stud H.

The stud H is attached to the stem N ofthe cut-oftl valve I by a pivot, allowing a slight vibratory motion vertically, the lever G working alternately againstV its upper and lower jaws as the cut-oft' valve is opened and closed.

It will be observed that when the arms of the toggle-joint are extended the end of the leverGis raised and the valve I opened. When the toggle-joint is bent at either extremity of the stroke of the connecting-rod D the lever G is depressed and the cut-oli' valve closed. Thus at each revolution of the engine the cut-off valve is twice opened and twice closed. No springs or weights are needed, as in working othercut-oft'valves, the valve being opened and closed by the direct action of the lever G, as set forth. By this means, also, the valve is quickly lifted to its full opening, and thereby permitting the full amount of the steam to enter the cylinder at once, avoiding wiredrawing the steam and permitting the full advantages of working steam expansively to be enjoyed.

The governor being attached, by the bellcrank F, as set forth, to the lever by means of the rod M and link L, the governor acts directly upon and controls the motion of the valve l, and will, if it should become necessary by a sudden strain upon the engine, open the valve after it had been closed for cutting ott', or instantly close it when open.

Having thus fully explained the nature and operation of my improvemei'lts, what I claim as my invention, and seek to secure by Letters Patent, is-- l. Actuating the cut-off valve of a steamengine positively, both in opening and closing, through the medium ot' a toggle-joint, and multiplying the motion thereof, substantially as set forth.

2. S0 combining the governor andYcnt-oft' valve o'f a steam-engine by means ot' a bellcrank, F, lever G, and other connecting mechanism, as set forth, that the valve may be operated by the governor' in connection with and independently of the toggle-joint E, substantially as set forth.

3. The connecting-rod I), toggle-joint E, bar M, link L, and lever G, in cornbiuation with the stud H, valve-stem N, and valve I, the parts being constructed and arranged substantially as and tor the purpose set forth.

4. In combination with the cut-ott' valvesteln N, the stud H, constructed substantially as set forth.

In testimonywhereof I have signed my name to this specitication in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN T. RICH.

Witnesses J AMEs MOGLENAHAN, WM. P. HIBBERD. 

